If you're looking for a nearby escape in the Nutmeg State, look no further. Colonial vibes and New England charm ooze out of the town of Essex, which is nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. This quaint Connecticut town is home to one of the oldest continuously running inns in the country, a packed calendar of annual events, and tons of lovely shops and restaurants.

Time and time again, Essex has earned a spot as one of the Best Small Towns in America. Whether you grab a burger at The Gris, a cone of Essex Mud, or spend the day coasting down a historic railroad, this small New England town is anything but sleepy. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Essex, Connecticut with kids. For more cute towns and the best kid-friendly Connecticut activities, don't miss the Top Attractions in Connecticut for Families.

If you’re looking to spend quality, electronic-free time with your family without breaking the bank, consider an Atlanta camping trip. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, Atlanta camping and tent camping provides an escape to the great outdoors. And better yet, you don’t have to travel far since campgrounds near Atlanta, GA are plentiful.

Whether you’re looking for tent camping or RV and yurt camping, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly campgrounds near Atlanta (within two hours....depending on traffic). Although not a hard and fast rule, private campgrounds tend to cost more but offer a host of amenities and special events. On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. government campgrounds near Atlanta provide an affordable, no-frills experience. And as a happy medium of Atlanta camping, lies the Georgia State Parks campsites that showcase some of the most scenic spots in Georgia.

Refer to our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids if you’re looking for more outdoor inspiration. And be sure to sign up for the Mommy Poppins newsletter, so you never miss out on upcoming events and helpful reviews.

With so many museums, playgrounds, indoor play spaces, and other kid-friendly attractions in and near DC, it’s easy to spend entire weekends in town without getting bored. But there is so much history, natural beauty, and fun to be found within a few hours' drive of the city. If your family needs a change of scenery, take one of these 10 day trips from DC this spring before the sweltering humidity of summer kicks in.

These spring day trips from DC include a variety of locations, from charming towns and historic sites to gorgeous gardens and family-friendly farms. For even more ideas for weekend getaways or day trips from DC, check out our family travel guide. Once you've picked your destination, all you'll need are some fun car games, plenty of snacks, and some road trip essentials to keep the car ride Are we there yet?-free.

As skateboarding becomes popular again, there is more access to beautiful new skate parks near Chicago. Often, these skate parks are free year-round. From the city to the suburbs, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best skate parks near Chicago. Check out our favorite Chicago skate parks to try with your aspiring skaters.

No matter when you're in California, it's always a great time to load the family in the car, create a few playlists, and hit the open road. The state's diverse flora and fauna, breathtaking geography, and world-famous cities make it all too easy to plan out an epic California road trip all year long.

Whether it's snowy national parks and forests in the winter, wildflower-blanketed desert hillsides in the fall, or sun-soaked beaches in the summer (or any time of year, really), the west coast has it all. Here are 25 ideas for a dream road trip with the family in and/or from California. Safe travels!